UOC priest brutally beaten by militants in Chernivtsi, in serious condition

UOC priest Fr. Roman was beaten by militants near the cathedral in Chernivtsi. Photo: UOJ

UOC priest Fr. Roman was beaten by militants near the cathedral in Chernivtsi. Photo: UOJ

New footage has emerged showing the brutality of the militants during the initial moments of the seizure of the Holy Spirit Cathedral of the UOC in Chernivtsi. As reported by a UOJ correspondent, the video captures Dumenko’s “prayer warriors” beating UOC priest Fr. Roman.

According to the Orthobuk Telegram channel, Archpriest Roman is currently in serious condition.

Militants from the OCU struck him repeatedly with fists and kicks. The half-conscious priest was dragged across the ground and then thrown over a three-meter fence.

Later, he was taken away by an ambulance with severe injuries.

CT scans showed that Fr. Roman suffered multiple rib fractures and lung contusions. A breathing tube had to be inserted.

In addition, his nose is broken. Doctors have also recorded multiple contusions – to the heart, chest, pelvic organs, and leg.

"We ask for your holy prayers for his recovery," the report says.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that OCU militants attempted to seize the UOC’s cathedral in Chernivtsi and brutally assaulted several priests.

Later, a UOC cleric from his hospital bed publicly invited the Ecumenical Patriarch to Chernivtsi to see for himself the crimes committed by his spiritual children.

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